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Roman Drama

Key information

  • Module code:

    5AACTL64

  • Level:

    5

  • Semester:

      Spring

  • Credit value:

    15

Module description

The first half of this module centres upon the historical background to Roman drama, with an emphasis on its religious undertones, Hellenistic origins, social perception by both pagan and Christian and authorities, and performance spaces. The second half of the module consists of close readings of texts either belonging to the genre of Roman drama. Students will not only explore these plays in terms of their dramatic technique, intertexts, and thematic motifs, but also identify the key generic characteristics of Roman comedy, tragedy, and historical plays. 

Teaching pattern

10 x 2-hour Seminar (weekly)

Suggested reading list

Core reading

Students are encouraged to access the following texts before beginning the course, but their purchase is not mandatory:

  • Barsby, J. (ed. and trans. (2001). Phormio. The Mother-in-Law.The Brothers. Cambridge, MA and London.
  • De Melo, W. (ed. and trans.) (2011). Plautus. Amphitryon.The Comedy of Asses. The Pot of Gold. The Two Bacchises. The Captives. Cambridge, MA and London.
  • Fitch, J. G. (ed. and trans.) (2018). Seneca. Oedipus. Agamemnon. Thyestes. Hercules on Oeta. Octavia. Cambridge, MA and London.

Department

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.